The fine ambiance is only ruined by the extremely loud telephone ring!

Drinks selection and quality – 10/10

If you’re a draught beer lover like me, you’re spoilt for choice with up to 24 beers available on cask and keg.

Many of the beers on tap are sourced locally. This evening, I had two American pale ales from Hampshire breweries – a Wild Weather “Betrayal” (4%) and a Red Cat “Tom Cat” (4.7%).

The pub’s shelves also boast more than 200 spirits. Plus there’s a great selection of proper cider.

Condiments – 3/5

No English mustard in the house…! An essential addition to a perfect beef burger, surely?

The smokey house ketchup went part way to making up for that, though.

Presentation – 5/5

On a plate, and not a metal pail in sight.

Service – 4/5

Friendly and efficient (although the staff seemed a little overstretched on account of an influx of groups wanting to pay for rounds separately on cards).

Value for money – 4/5

More expensive than your typical pub burger, but the price matches the portion size – if you can finish it off that is. Even I couldn’t finish my chips, and that’s saying something!

I should also point out that we got a 30% student discount on our food (Wednesday is student night – there’s 30% off all food and some drinks deals for students). The price quoted above is the regular cost (£14.50).

Penalties – 0

No metal pails, chopping boards or “artisan” on the menu here.

Total: 70/80

It all comes down to fine margins in my search for Hampshire’s best burger. And it looks like a less intrusive telephone ringer or the availability of English mustard could be stopping the Rockstone heading to the top of the leaderboard alone.

Alas, it’s not meant to be – the Rockstone joins the Railway in Ringwood as joint leader instead.

Info:The Rockstone is at 63 Onslow Rd, Bevois Valley, Southampton, SO14 0JL. Call 023 8063 7256. To get two burger meals for £22, head there on a Tuesday or Wednesday for Burger Night.